YOUR NEXT DINNER PARTY

Which fork to use? One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was this: when trying to decide which fork to use, work for the outside in. I am actually amazed at how often over the course of my lifetime this one tidbit of advice has come in handy!

Now that I am a grown up, and have my own dinner parties, I realize there is more that goes into setting a table than "working from the outside in."

I found this diagram on imom.com and thought it was so useful!!! Every creative person can make a table look gorgeous, simply adding flowers can dress up a table, but setting a beautiful table really starts with the basics. The flatware, the glassware and the dishes. Here are a few helpful tips of my own:

Flatware:

• Set flatware for every course being served
• Roll flatware in napkins for a buffet, to make it easy and faster for the guests to move through the line.
• If you are hosting a large party and don't have the proper amount of flatware, mix it up. Add a few different styles of flatware to your table. You can either set each place setting with a different pattern or mix and match each place setting. I set me table this way every night. I love the eclectic look it brings to the table!
• Set your flatware with a pretty napkin. There are some nice disposable or do-it-yourself options available. Search the Internet for more tips.

Glassware

• You do not need to set wine glasses if guests will be served wine with appetizers, before sitting down.
• Add pitchers of water on your table to keep guests hydrated and from over indulging in the wine.
• Make sure your glasses do not have spots! Wipe with a paper towel to remove water spots. You can also soak the glasses in a vinegar and water mixture to remove stubborn spots, just rinse thoroughly before setting on your table!
• Again, if you don't have the proper amount of glassware, mix it up. You can add different glass cuts to your table, just make sure everyone has similar size glasses.

The Dishes

• This is where you can be creative! Select dishes that support your theme. 
• If you don't want to continual buy dishes, invest a good set of white for parties, they mix in and match with any color theme. 
• Add a pop of color with serving pieces and/or salad plates, soup bowls, etc. 
• Use the good dishes. If you don't have a complete set of china, check your local thrift store. Often, dishes cost as little as 49 cents each. 
• Again, following my favorite theme, if you don't have matching dishes, mix it up systematically. Alternate place settings to give the entire table a uniform look and collective feel. I always search thrift stores for china patterns that will mix well with my dishes. Odd bowls and plates can be used for serving. a piece of advice, if you see dishes that you at a thrift store, LOVE buy them at that moment. Once you go home and realize how much you truly love them, they will be purchased by someone else!

Dinner parties can be fun! Be creative and have a theme. Enjoy planning the menu and decorating the table. Setting the table should be the least of your worries. One last tip: set your table ahead of time, prep as much of the menu early if, then focus on being in the company of friends and family. Enjoy yourself!

- Stacey Olson, Featured Contributor

Stacey Olson is a Featured Contributor to the Living Lola Style blog.